Initially, HIS plan was to avoid participating in the dads’ race by feigning an injury. Whether it be a leg, arm, or head injury, any excuse would suffice. Despite his bruised face from a fight the previous Friday, it was difficult for even the most competitive parent not to feel sympathy for Macaulay McGowan and allow him to skip the race.
However, McGowan faced a problem as his daughter, Florence, who had already won the beanbag race, was insistent. “Come on, Dad,” she urged her hero. “You have to.”
“I didn’t perform well,” McGowan admitted shortly after finishing the race at sports day. “I was Steady Eddy; I came fourth out of eight. I just missed out on the top three positions.”
His seven-year-old daughter, Florence, had a better performance, winning medals – or stickers – and her father, proud to watch her from the sidelines, was content with the transition from fighter to a regular person.
Now that he was free to indulge in whatever he wanted, McGowan found himself in a post-fight bliss, still fueled by the adrenaline of battle as he faced the inevitable emotional aftermath.
“I’m feeling quite high at the moment,” he said. “I haven’t been sleeping much. Eventually, the high will wear off, won’t it? Everyone is excited and calling me a warrior, but that will fade away, and I will be left with the loss. It takes time to process.”
On Friday, McGowan went the distance with German fighter Abass Baraou in a European super-welterweight title bout. Despite the loss, McGowan’s performance won the hearts of fans, leaving him feeling victorious even in defeat.
“I aim for internal success,” he explained. “If I give my all in training and in the fight, I consider it a success. It’s disappointing when my best isn’t enough, but it’s beyond my control. I have to accept it and move on.”
Despite the disappointment of defeat, McGowan remains focused on improving and working on his skills. His humble and grounded approach to competition sets him apart from many others in the sport.
Abass Baraou outpoints Macaulay McGowan
McGowan’s grounded and realistic approach to competition showcases his humility and maturity, and reveals a deeper intelligence and confidence beneath the surface. He understands that true confidence stems from a realistic outlook on success and failure.
Despite the loss, McGowan remains undeterred and focused on his growth as a boxer. His return to reality after the fight demonstrates his commitment to his craft and his ability to move forward.
“I may have lost, but I’m not defeated,” he affirmed. “I never expected to be in fights like that at this stage of my career. Headlining a major European title fight on national television was a surreal experience for me. I cherish the opportunity and am grateful for the experience.”
McGowan’s dedication to his craft is admirable, as he quickly returns to his daily routine after a fight, seeking solace in the familiarity of his work and training.
“I’m back at work now,” he shared. “It’s nice to have that balance, to see other people and get back to my routine. Otherwise, I would dwell too much on the fight.”
Before heading to work, McGowan spends time at the boxing gym, reflecting on the fight and taking solace in the familiar surroundings.
“After a big fight, especially a loss, I like to go to the gym to clear my head,” he explained. “Wearing the special gloves I used in the fight gives me satisfaction, even in defeat.”
McGowan’s grounded approach to competition and his focus on improvement make him a unique figure in the boxing world. His ability to find solace in the everyday and his commitment to growth set him apart from his peers.